Hushed and Grim is the eighth studio album from US heavy metal veterans Mastodon, a double album that now also qualifies as their longest album to date. It also serves as a light concept album, acting as a tribute to Mastodon's former manager Nick John, who died from cancer in 2018, the songs reflecting the bands dealing with his loss and impact on their lives.
Those who have a soft spot for Mastodon's hard hitting, sludgy, progressive side will be in for a treat here, as songs like "Pain with an Anchor", "The Crux", and "Sickle and Peace" contain a wealth of massive riffs, blazing drum fills, and those twisted, weaving guitar lines. The brooding "More Than I Could Chew" features haunting keys and a mix of vocal styles to go along with the pulverizing, complex riffs, while the floating "Skeleton of Splendor" shows off the bands psychedelic & proggy side. Look for some catchy hooks on "Pushing the Tides", and "Peace and Tranquility" sees the band once again go down melodic progressive rock waters with layers of intricate guitars and nimble drum work. Longer tracks like "Gobblers of Dregs" and "Gigantium" have plenty to offer, but then again so does the short but frantic riff fest that is "Savage Lands", the band as always displaying their wide musical skills every step of the way.
Truth be told, as strong as Hushed and Grim is, the album does lose a bit of steam on the band end and is a tad overly long. But, there are plenty of outstanding songs contained here that show further proof that Mastodon are one of the top heavy metal acts going today.
Track Listing
Disc one
1. "Pain with an Anchor" 5:02
2. "The Crux" 5:00
3. "Sickle and Peace" 6:18
4. "More Than I Could Chew" 6:52
5. "The Beast" 6:04
6. "Skeleton of Splendor" 5:05
7. "Teardrinker" 5:21
8. "Pushing the Tides" 3:29
Disc two
1. "Peace and Tranquility" 5:56
2. "Dagger" 5:13
3. "Had It All" 5:26
4. "Savage Lands" 4:25
5. "Gobblers of Dregs" 8:35
6. "Eyes of Serpents" 6:50
7. "Gigantium" 6:54
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